"My name is Natalia," she said, "and this is Athgar."

"Unusual names," he commented. "I take it you're not from around here?"

"No," she replied, "we're from up north, near Draybourne, have you heard of it?"

"'Fraid not," Harnen replied, "but there's many the land I have yet to sail to."

"Not from what I've heard," said Cyric. "From the stories he tells, you'd think he's been everywhere."

"Are you here on business?" asked the captain.

"We are seeking passage to Corassus," said Natalia.

"I have room aboard if you have the coin," he replied.

"We have coins, but I was rather hoping you'd pay us to travel with you."

He looked at her in surprise, "And why would I do that?"

"I'm a Water Mage," she said.

"Experienced?" the captain asked, suddenly intrigued.

"I have a wide variety of spells that could prove useful. I can calm seas, bring favourable currents, that sort of thing."

He nodded his head as he stroked his chin. "I'm definitely interested. The sea voyage to Corassus is dangerous, and having a Water Mage along would be quite useful." He turned to Athgar. "Are you a Water Mage as well?"

"No," he admitted, "I'm a master of flame."

Harnen Runell looked taken aback, "I don't want a pyro aboard my ship, it's too dangerous."

"We come as a package," said Natalia, "and I'd offer you a discount on my services. You wouldn't have to worry about Athgar, he's very disciplined."

"He would have to be if he wants to board my ship."

"I don't understand," said Athgar, "I would have thought you'd want a Fire Mage aboard to fight off pirates."

"Most Fire Mages have tempers," offered Natalia, "and they can get very full of themselves. There's something about working with fire that gives them a superior feeling."

"I can guarantee you, Captain," said Athgar, "that I won't be a burden."

"Very well," relented Captain Runell, "we sail on the first tide. You can stow your gear now if you like."

"Thank you, Captain," said Natalia, "you won't regret it."

"See that I don't," he warned, "and welcome aboard the Swift, fastest ship on the Great Sea."

The captain returned to his work, leaving the others at the pier. "Well," mused Cyric, "it seems you've made an impression. I don't believe I've met a mage couple before. How long have you two been married?"

"Oh, we're not married," said Athgar.

"Not yet, anyway," added Natalia, "but we are travelling together."

"When is the first tide?" asked the Therengian.

"Whenever I'm ready to step aboard," said Cyric, "he's just giving you a hard time. You'll have to excuse Harnen's attitude, he just got back from sailing across the Sea of Storms."

"I have no idea where that is," admitted Athgar. "Is it far?"

"It's about as far away as you can get, clear over the other side of the continent, to the west."

"When do you plan to embark?" Natalia asked Brother Cyric.